Cudweed

Cudweed is a common name applied to a variety of plants, primarily within the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) family. The term usually refers to species characterized by their woolly, often grayish or silvery foliage. This woolliness is due to a covering of fine, soft hairs that helps the plants conserve moisture and tolerate dry conditions.

While "cudweed" is not a formal taxonomic term, it loosely encompasses plants previously classified under the genus Gnaphalium and related genera like Pseudognaphalium, Helichrysum, and Omalotheca. Taxonomical classifications have shifted over time, so the specific species referred to as "cudweed" can vary depending on the region and the botanical reference used.

Key characteristics of plants commonly called cudweed include:

• Foliage: Typically lance-shaped or oval leaves covered in fine, white or grayish hairs. This gives the plants a felt-like or woolly texture and appearance.
• Flowers: Small, often inconspicuous flowers clustered in dense heads or panicles. Flower color is usually dull white, yellowish, or brownish.
• Habitat: Often found in dry, disturbed areas such as fields, roadsides, and waste ground. Many species are adapted to poor soils.
• Distribution: Cudweed species are found worldwide, with varying species being native to different continents.
• Traditional Uses: Some species of cudweed have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory, astringent, and wound-healing properties. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is often limited, and caution is advised.

The "cud" in cudweed refers to a historical, though likely inaccurate, belief that these plants were chewed by ruminant animals, similar to chewing cud. It is more likely a descriptive reference to the plant's soft, woolly texture.